A replica Cartier Tank 2370 is a counterfeit copy of the vintage-style Cartier Tank, normally built with a 23mm by 30mm rectangular case, a Roman numeral dial, blued steel sword hands, and a cabochon-set winding crown. Replica quality splits into clear tiers, from sub-$50 alloy cases with printed dials to $250 to $450 stainless steel or vermeil copies that mirror the original proportions, caseback stamps, and quartz movement.
What does the reference 2370 actually refer to?
The number 2370 appears as a case reference on vintage Cartier Tank models, most often the Tank Must de Cartier line sold from the late 1970s into the 1990s. Original examples used a vermeil case, meaning gold plating over sterling silver, an ETA quartz movement, and a lacquered dial with printed numerals.
Because the reference is old and the case is small, factories treat it as an easy target. The same case dimensions, dial layout, and strap style repeat across nearly every replica sold under this number.
Which details separate a good replica from a bad one?
- Case dimensions: 23mm wide by 30mm long, about 6mm thick on most originals. Copies that run 25mm or wider look wrong on the wrist.
- Case material: vermeil originals carry a warm yellow tone and tarnish with age. Cheap brass or alloy copies read too bright or too pink.
- Dial printing: the Cartier script should sit tight above the 6 o'clock numeral with thin, crisp lettering. Thick or fuzzy text is the fastest tell.
- Crown: a blue or red spinel cabochon set inside a fluted crown. Faux cabochons are painted resin and look flat under light.
- Caseback: engraved reference numbers, a serial, and Swiss or Swiss Made stamping. Laser etching looks shallow and grey.
- Movement: quartz on originals of this era. A hand-wound or automatic movement inside a Tank 2370 copy is a mismatch.
- Strap: lizard or alligator on the original with a gold-tone ardillon buckle. Most replicas ship with a leather strap you will want to replace.
Is buying a replica Cartier Tank illegal?
Yes, in the United States. Importing, selling, or trafficking counterfeit goods violates federal law, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizes shipments of counterfeit watches with no refund to the buyer.
Simply owning a fake watch is not a personal crime in most U.S. states, but the purchase almost always involves an illegal import. European Union countries and the UK apply similar rules on import and resale.
What do replicas of the Tank 2370 usually cost?
- Entry tier, $35 to $80: alloy case, mineral glass, printed dial, basic quartz movement, unbranded strap.
- Mid tier, $120 to $250: stainless steel or plated case, sapphire crystal on some builds, tighter dial printing, generic quartz.
- Top tier, $280 to $450: closer case geometry, engraved caseback, sapphire crystal, better strap, and a movement that mimics the original beat rate.
Price alone does not prove quality. A $300 listing with a 26mm case and a painted crown is worse than a $150 build with correct proportions.
What should you inspect before paying?
Ask for macro photos of the dial, crown, and caseback in daylight, plus a straight-on wrist shot for scale. Request a short video of the seconds hand, because a smooth sweep on a model that should be quartz signals a swapped movement.
Compare the seller's photos against archive listings of genuine Tank Must de Cartier watches. Auction and grey-market archives give you the true 23mm by 30mm silhouette to measure against.
FAQ
Does the Tank 2370 replica come in gold?
Most are gold-plated or vermeil-look. Solid gold replicas exist but are rare, costly, and still counterfeit.
How do I spot a fake Tank 2370 at a glance?
Check the dial text, the crown cabochon, and the case thickness. Fuzzy printing, a flat plastic dot, and an oversized case are the three most common faults.
Are replica Tank 2370 watches water resistant?
Usually only splash resistant. Gaskets on replicas are inconsistent, so keep them away from swimming and showers.